"Bouvard and Pécuchet" by Gustave Flaubert is a satirical novel about two clerks exploring various hobbies and professions in search of fulfillment. Through sharp wit and keen social commentary, Flaubert critiques societal pretensions and the absurdity of human endeavors, making it a timeless exploration of the quest for meaning in life.
Ce jour glace de janvier a New York, la galerie d art de M. Hartley ouvre pour un vernissage. Dans la vitrine, un portrait de Caroline, la mere d Erich Krueger, le jeune peintre. Erich a le coup de foudre pour cette ravissante jeune femme, Jenny, qui travaille pour M. Hartley et ressemble tant a Caroline: c est bien simple, on jurerait qu elle a pose pour ce tableau! Pour Jenny, mere de deux petites filles qu elle eleve seule, Erich semble etre un don du ciel: il est beau, riche, si epris et si attentionne. Mais le prince n est-il pas trop charmant pour etre honnete?"
Pat Traymore, a brilliant investigative reporter, is drawn to Washington to discover the truth about enigmatic and ambitious Senator Abigail Jennings. The Senator is tipped to be the first female Vice-President, and her reputation intrigues Pat - but she also has an ulterior motive for coming to the city. Years earlier, as a child, Pat was present during the violent deaths of her parents. Left damaged, both mentally and physically, she is seeking solace by returning to the house in which the events took place. However, somebody has learned of her plans - and is hellbent on stopping her. As the storm gathers, Pat begins to suspect everyone around her - even handsome Congressman Samuel Kingsley, with whom she is madly in love. But who would want to hurt her? And how are these new events connected to the deaths of her mother and father? As Pat battles to discover more about her past and her present, she realises the two are entwined more deeply than she had first thought. And as light is thrown on both, secrets long buried come rushing to the surface...